But in many places, public defense (this includes both public defenders and appointed counsel) is overloaded and underfunded. The Atlantic reported, "America's Largest Mental Hospital is a Jail." Misdemeanor courts are broken, and function more as spiraling debtors' prisons. Juvenile justice is often an oxymoron. Children who need the most protection receive the least attention. Within the federal system, the Cardone Committee will soon issue a report about voucher cutting, remote detention, and travel and subsistence resources for indigent clients. And then there is immigration.

Celebrate Public Defense Week, especially Saturday. Check out the links above to learn more. And if you are not already a member of NAPD, consider joining.